Golf course and method of playing golf

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a golf course having one or more holes equipped with multiple launching positions. The user may choose one of the launching positions to play from commensurate with his or her desired level of difficulty. Each launching position of the present invention provides a distinct playing path to the green independent of the other launching positions. In one embodiment, the level of difficulty associated with each launching position is enhanced through the use of topographical features located between each launching position and the green. In another embodiment, one or more launching positions of the present invention are equipped with difficulty-enhancing terrain such as sand, rough-cut grass and/or uneven surfaces. The golf course of the present invention is ideally suited to provide each individual golfer with an enjoyable and challenging experience, regardless of his or her expertise level.

[0001] This utility application claims priority from a U.S. ProvisionalApplication entitled “Golf Game and Golf Course Design,” Serial No.60/311,628, having a filing date of Aug. 13, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an improvement to thegame of golf and, more particularly, to an improved golf game and golfcourse layout capable of providing all types of golfers with anenjoyable golfing experience while, at the same time, reducing the timeand expense associated with a traditional round of golf.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The length of time required to complete a traditional 18-holeround of golf on a full-length golf course is an area of concern forvirtually every golfer. The amount of time required to play a round ofgolf may be a barrier to those who would like to take up the game.Typically, it takes between four and six hours to play a round of golfon a full-length golf course. Thus, the number of rounds that theaverage golfer can play is limited. Accordingly, the amount of timerequired to play a traditional round of golf is a primary reason forgolfers to quit playing the game.

[0004] Many factors contribute to the length of time it takes to play around of golf. Key factors include: the physical distance players musttravel during a round, the length and difficulty of the course, howeffectively the golf course managers marshal round times for each group,the time spent looking for lost golf balls, the distance between thegreen and the next tee box and the time a golfer takes to execute eachindividual shot. A careful review of these factors reveals that thedistance and/or difficulty associated with a traditional 18-hole golfcourse is to blame for golfer frustration.

[0005] The tee shot required on nearly every par 4 and par 5 is a primereason for the large amount of time associated with the traditional gameof golf. First, for most golfers, the tee shot takes a great deal oftime to execute. Second, the driver is the most difficult club to useand the quality of each tee shot significantly affects the golfer's playto the hole. As discussed further below, an errant tee shot willinfluence the relative position of the golfer's second shot and perhapsthe third shot as well. Aside from putting, tee shots are the mostfrequent shots during a traditional round of golf and can have adevastating impact on individual scores.

[0006] Unplayable second and/or third shots caused by inaccurate teeshots lead to scores that may be multiple strokes above par. Largescores result in golfer frustration, loss of confidence and, ultimately,a less enjoyable golfing experience. This problem is compounded forthose who are just beginning to learn the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention provides a golf course and amethod of playing golf capable of reducing the expense, time andfrustration associated with the traditional game of golf. Specifically,the present invention provides a golf course having one or more holesequipped with multiple launching positions. The user may choose one ofthe launching positions to play from commensurate with his or herdesired level of difficulty.

[0008] Each launching position of the present invention provides adistinct playing path to the green independent of the other launchingpositions. In one embodiment, the level of difficulty associated witheach launching position is enhanced through the use of topographicalfeatures located between each launching position and the green. Inanother embodiment, one or more launching positions of the presentinvention are equipped with difficulty-enhancing terrain such as sand,rough-cut grass and/or uneven surfaces. The golf course of the presentinvention is ideally suited to provide each individual golfer with anenjoyable and challenging experience, regardless of his or her expertiselevel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of theattendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the samebecomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing;it being understood that the drawings contained herein are notnecessarily drawn to scale; wherein:

[0010]FIG. 1 illustrates a par 3 golf hole in one embodiment of thepresent invention having a first launching position and a secondlaunching position.

[0011]FIG. 2 illustrates a par 4 golf hole in one embodiment of thepresent invention having a first launching position and a secondlaunching position.

[0012]FIG. 3 illustrates a par 3 golf hole in one embodiment of thepresent invention having a first launching position, a second launchingposition, and a third launching position.

[0013]FIG. 4 illustrates a par 4 golf hole in one embodiment of thepresent invention having a first launching position, a second launchingposition, and a third launching position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Referring to the accompanying Figures, the present invention isherein described as a golf course having a plurality of golf holes, eachhaving a par value, and as a method of playing golf. The presentinvention provides an alternative to the traditional game of golf and aunique golf course design capable of providing a pleasurable andsuccessful golfing experience for all types of golfers while stillretaining the challenge and intrigue that experienced golfers demand.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the golf course of the presentinvention is equipped with one or more golf holes (10). Each golf hole(10) of the present invention provides a fairway (12) having a first(12A) and a second end (12B), a putting green (14) generally positionedat the second end of the fairway, and a golf ball cup (16) positionedupon the green. In one embodiment, each golf hole (10) is equipped witha first launching position (18) located generally upon the first end(12A) of the fairway (12). The first launching position (18) is locateda first direction from the green (14) such that a first area (18A) isdefined between the green and the first launching position. In oneembodiment, the first launching position (18) is placed upon fairway cutgrass such that a substantially level surface is provided upon which todrop a golf ball for play by the user.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first area (18A) between the green (14)and the first launching position (18) is substantially free fromobstacles such that the user is provided with a substantially straightplaying path from the first launching position to the green. Golf holes(10) having a first launching position (18) are ideally suited forbeginning golfers wishing to experience a straight and relatively easyfairway shot to the green (14).

[0017] In one embodiment, another launching position is provided forinclusion upon one or more golf holes (10) of the present invention.This second launching position (20) may be utilized to provide anenhanced level of difficulty for more experienced players.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second launching position (20) is notplaced directly upon the fairway (12) but, instead, is placed adjacentthereto at a direction varying from the direction of the first launchingposition (18) with respect to the green (14). Further, the secondlaunching position (20) may be equipped with difficulty-enhancingterrain (24) such as uneven surfaces, sand, rough-cut grass, and/orother vegetation. In one embodiment, the area (20A) locatedsubstantially between the second launching position (20) and the green(14) may be equipped with one or more topographical features (22)designed to increase or decrease the level of difficulty associated withstarting the golf hole (10) at the second launching position. In oneembodiment, the level of difficulty associated with the second launchingposition (20) requires greater skill on the part of the user due to thecombined use of topographical features (22) and difficulty enhancingterrain (24).

[0019] The relative placement of the second launching position (20) andthe use of topographical features (22) provides the user with a secondplaying path (20P) to the green. Thus, a user utilizing the firstlaunching position (18) will traverse a distinct and separate playingpath (18P) than that experienced by a user starting from the secondlaunching position (20). In one embodiment, the first and secondlaunching positions (18 and 20, respectively) are positioned atsubstantially the same distance from the green (14).

[0020] Unlike traditional golf courses where distance is the primaryelement to increase difficulty on a given hole, the present inventionutilizes a unique blend of direction, topographical features (22), anddifficulty-enhancing terrain (24) to provide the user with a greaterdegree of difficulty. This feature of the present invention allowsindividuals of varying ability to play together in the same group whilestill being challenged individually. For example, User No. 1, a beginnerto the game of golf, may choose to start from the first launchingposition (18) while User No. 2, an experienced golfer, may choose tostart from the second launching position (20). In one embodiment,topographical features (22) may be any feature, whether man made ornaturally occurring, capable of adding to the difficulty associated witha golf hole (10). In one embodiment, topographical features (22)include, but are not limited to, water, sand, shrubbery, trees, brush,out-of-bounds markers, undulations, contours, obstacles, obstructions,vegetation, varying grass textures, and varying grass height. This alsoenables users with similar levels of golfing skills, but differentphysical strength, to more equally compete with each other by beginningthe hole (10) from the same launching position (18 and 20,respectively).

[0021] In addition to providing a challenging golf game, the golf holes(10) of the present invention are ideally suited to provide instructionto individuals wishing to increase their golf abilities. Instead ofutilizing a driving range which is incapable of providing the look andfeel of a golf course, the present invention allows instructors and/orstudents to choose a level of difficulty for practice shots consistentwith the individual's grasp of the game. Because users of the presentinvention play from a specific area within what may resemble a minuteportion of the second shot hitting area on a traditional golf hole,architects can design approaches to the green which force users to hit aspecific type of shot.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in another embodiment, the presentinvention provides three or more launching positions (18, 26 and 28,respectively) from which a user may begin. The golf holes (10) of thepresent invention may be designed to accommodate three or more separateand distinct playing paths (18P, 26P, 28P, and 28P′, respectively), eachproviding a different level of difficulty for the user.

[0023] The first launching position (18) of this embodiment issubstantially the same as described in detail above. Specifically, thefirst launching position (18) is placed upon fairway cut grass atsubstantially the first end (12A) of the fairway (12). The location ofthe first launching position (18) coupled with the lack of obstacleswithin the first area (18A) allows novice players to enjoy asubstantially straight and unobstructed shot toward the green (14).

[0024] In one embodiment, one or more of the golf holes (10) of thepresent invention are equipped with a second launching position (26)placed at substantially the first end (12A) of the fairway (12). Thearea located substantially between the second launching position (26)and the green (14) is equipped with one or more topographical features(22) designed to increase the level of difficulty associated withstarting at the second launching position. The second launching position(26) of this embodiment of the present invention is intended to providethe user with a moderate degree of difficulty.

[0025] The third launching position (28) of this embodiment of thepresent invention is positioned adjacent to the fairway (12) in order toprovide the user with a greater level of difficulty than may be attainedby either playing path (18P and 26P, respectively) associated with thefirst or second launching positions (18 and 26, respectively). In oneembodiment, the third launching position (28) of the present inventionis equipped with difficulty-enhancing terrain (24) such as unevensurfaces, sand, rough-cut grass, or vegetation. Further, the area (28A)located substantially between the third launching position (28) and thegreen (14) contains one or more topographical features (14), asdescribed above, designed to increase the difficulty associated withplaying from the third launching position. In one embodiment, the levelof difficulty associated with the third launching position (28) requiresgreater skill on the part of the user as compared to the first or secondlaunching positions (18 and 26, respectively) due to the combined use ofdirection, topographical features (22), and difficulty enhancing terrain(24).

[0026] Thus, in this embodiment of the present invention, three distinctand separate playing paths (18P, 26P, and 28P, respectively) areprovided to the user, depending on his or her desired level ofdifficulty. The launching positions of the present invention may bepositioned substantially the same distance from the green; however, eachlaunching object, such as a golf club, to adjust the location of theball if the ball had landed in a divot, so long as the ball remainswithin six inches of its original landing point and so long as the ballremains upon the launching position.

[0027] When addressing a legally dropped ball for the purpose of puttingit into play on a hole, users need not stand upon the launchingposition. Users are permitted to ground their clubs when addressing theball located upon a launching position, with the exception that if theuser's chosen launch position is located in a hazard, such as a sandbunker, the player may not ground his or her club.

[0028] Once the user addresses a legally dropped ball with the intent ofputting it in play, any contact the club makes with the ball thatresults in any movement of the ball is considered a stroke. Should auser put a ball in play that was not struck from a launching position,the player is assessed a two-stroke penalty in stroke play and loss ofthe hole in match play. Should a user make illegal contact with the ballonce it has been legally dropped, a one-stroke penalty is assessed onthe hole.

[0029] The user, without the aid of a golf tee, hits the golf ball fromthe chosen launching position such that the ball lands within the areaassociated with the launching position or upon the green. If the userfails to reach the green, he or she would continue hitting the balluntil it is positioned upon the green. The golf ball would then beplaced in the golf cup utilizing a putter. To illustrate, if the userchooses to play from the first launching position (18), he or she woulddrop the golf ball upon the ground designated as the first launchingposition, hit the ball toward the green such that it lands either withinthe first area (18A) or upon the green (14). If the ball does not reachthe green (14), the user will continue hitting from the first area (18A)until the ball is positioned upon the green. Once positioned on thegreen, the golf ball maybe putted into the golf cup (16).

[0030] USGA approved clubs are legal for play with the golf game of thepresent invention, except that no golf club with a loft of less than 13degrees may be used. An exception is the putter which may be used forany shot in the golf game of the present invention. In one embodiment,golf tees may not be utilized for any shot of the present invention.

[0031] Both stroke and match play scoring may be used while playing thegolf game of the present invention. Player handicaps are calculated insimilar manner as they are in traditional golf. The golf course of thepresent invention may be given course and slope ratings for handicappingpurposes.

[0032] Although the invention has been described with reference tospecific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in alimited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, aswell as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparentto persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of theinvention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims willcover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A golf course having a plurality of golf holes, each havinga par value, said course having one or more of said golf holescomprising: at least one fairway having a first end and a second end; atleast one putting green located at said second end of said fairway; atleast one golf ball cup positioned upon said putting green; a firstlaunching position placed upon said first end of said fairway; saidfirst launching position being generally located a first direction fromsaid green; and a first area located substantially between said firstlaunching position and said green, said first area defining a firstlevel of difficulty and providing a substantially straight playing pathsubstantially free of obstacles between said first launching positionand said green.
 2. The golf course of claim 1, wherein said one or moreof said golf holes further comprises: a second launching position placedupon a difficulty enhancing terrain adjacent to said fairway; saidsecond launching position being generally located a second directionfrom said green; and a second area located substantially between saidsecond launching position and said green, said second area having one ormore topographical features defining a second level of difficultyassociated with said second area, said second area defining a secondplaying path from said second launching position to said green such thatsaid first area and said second area provide two separate and distinctroutes to said green.
 3. The golf course of claim 2, wherein saiddifficulty enhancing terrain is selected from the group consisting ofrough cut grass, sand, and uneven surfaces.
 4. The golf course of claim3, wherein said first launching position and said second launchingposition are substantially the same distance from said green.
 5. Thegolf course of claim 3, wherein said second level of difficulty requiresgreater skill than said first level of difficulty.
 6. The golf course ofclaim 3, wherein said topographical features are selected from the groupconsisting of water, sand, shrubbery, trees, brush, out of boundsmarkers, undulations, contours, obstacles, obstructions, vegetation,varying grass texture, and varying grass height.
 7. A golf course havinga plurality of golf holes, each having a par value, said course havingone or more of said golf holes comprising: at least one fairway having afirst end and a second end; at least one putting green located at saidsecond end of said fairway; at least one golf ball cup positioned uponsaid putting green; a first launching position placed upon said firstend of said fairway; said first launching position being generallylocated a first direction from said green; and a first area locatedsubstantially between said first launching position and said green, saidfirst area defining a first level of difficulty and providing asubstantially straight playing path being substantially free ofobstacles between said first launching position and said green.
 8. Thegolf course of claim 7, wherein said one or more of said golf holesfurther comprises: a second launching position placed upon said firstend of said fairway, said said second launching position generallylocated a second direction from said green; and a second area locatedsubstantially between said second launching position and said green,said second area having one or more topographical features defining asecond level of difficulty associated with said second area, said secondarea defining a second playing path from said second launching positionto said green such that said first area and said second area provide twoseparate and distinct routes to said green.
 9. The golf course of claim8, wherein said one or more of said golf holes further comprises: athird launching position placed upon a difficulty enhancing terrainadjacent to said fairway; said third launching position being generallylocated a third direction from said green; and a third area locatedsubstantially between said third launching position and said green, saidthird area having one or more of said topographical features defining athird level of difficulty associated with said third area, said thirdarea defining a third playing path from said third launching position tosaid green such that said first area, said second area, and said thirdarea provide three separate and distinct routes to said green.
 10. Thegolf course of claim 9, wherein said difficulty enhancing terrain isselected from the group consisting of rough cut grass, sand, and unevensurfaces.
 11. The golf course of claim 10, wherein said first launchingposition, said second launching position, and said third launchingposition are substantially the same distance from said green.
 12. Thegolf course of claim 10, wherein said second level of difficultyrequires greater skill than said first level of difficulty and saidthird level of difficulty requires greater skill than said second levelof difficulty.
 13. The golf course of claim 10, wherein saidtopographical features are selected from the group consisting of water,sand, shrubbery, trees, brush, out of bounds markers, undulations,contours, obstacles, obstructions, vegetation, varying grass texture,and varying grass height.
 14. A method of playing golf comprising thesteps of: providing a golf course having a plurality of golf holes eachhaving a par value, said course having one or more of said golf holescomprising: at least one fairway having a first end and a second end; atleast one putting green located at said second end of said fairway; atleast one golf ball cup positioned upon said putting green; a firstlaunching position placed upon said first end of said fairway; saidfirst launching position being generally located a first direction fromsaid green; and a first area located substantially between said firstlaunching position and said green, said first area defining a firstlevel of difficulty and providing a substantially straight playing pathbeing substantially free of obstacles between said first launchingposition and said green; a second launching position placed upon adifficulty enhancing terrain adjacent to said fairway; said secondlaunching position being generally located a second direction from saidgreen; and a second area located substantially between said secondlaunching position and said green, said second area having one or moretopographical features defining a second level of difficulty associatedwith said second area, said second area defining a second playing pathfrom said second launching position to said green such that said firstarea and said second area provide two separate and distinct routes tosaid green. determining a desired level of difficulty; choosing saidfirst launching position or said second launching position according toa desired level of difficulty; dropping a golf ball upon said firstlaunching position or upon said second launching position according tosaid desired level of difficulty. if said first launching position ischosen, utilizing a golf club having a loft of 13 degrees or more, andwithout the aid of a golf tee, hitting said golf ball a first timetoward said green such that said golf ball lands within said first areaor upon said green; if said first shot is made from said first launchingposition, and said first shot does not result in said golf ball landingupon said green, utilizing a golf club having a loft of more than 13degrees, and without the aid of a golf tee, hitting said golf ball asecond time from said first area onto said green; if said secondlaunching position is chosen, utilizing a golf club having a loft of 13degrees or more, and without the aid of a golf tee, hitting said golfball a first time toward said green such that said golf ball landswithin said second area or upon said green; if said first shot is madefrom said second launching position, and said first shot does not resultin said golf ball landing upon said green, utilizing a golf club havinga loft of more than 13 degrees, hitting said golf ball a second timefrom said second area onto said green; and utilizing a putter, puttingsaid golf ball into said cup.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein saiddifficulty enhancing terrain is selected from the group consisting ofrough cut grass, sand, and uneven surfaces.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein said second level of difficulty requires greater skill than saidfirst level of difficulty.
 17. A method of playing golf comprising thesteps of: providing a golf course having a plurality of golf holes eachhaving a par value, said course having one or more of said golf holescomprising: at least one fairway having a first end and a second end; atleast one putting green located at said second end of said fairway; atleast one golf ball cup positioned upon said putting green; a firstlaunching position placed upon said first end of said fairway; saidfirst launching position being generally located a first direction fromsaid green; a first area located substantially between said firstlaunching position and said green, said first area defining a firstlevel of difficulty and providing a substantially straight playing pathbeing substantially free of obstacles between said first launchingposition and said green; a second launching position placed upon saidfirst end of said fairway, said second launching position beinggenerally located a second direction from said green; and a second arealocated substantially between said second launching position and saidgreen, said second area having one or more topographical featuresdefining a second level of difficulty associated with said second area,said second area defining a second playing path from said secondlaunching position to said green such that said first area and saidsecond area provide two separate and distinct routes to said green. athird launching position placed upon a difficulty enhancing terrainadjacent to said fairway; said third launching position being generallylocated a third direction from said green; and a third area locatedsubstantially between said third launching position and said green, saidthird area having one or more of said topographical features defining athird level of difficulty associated with said third area, said thirdarea defining a third playing path from said third launching position tosaid green such that said first area, said second area, and said thirdarea provide three separate and distinct routes to said green.determining a desired level of difficulty; choosing said first launchingposition, said second launching position, or said third launchingposition according to said desired level of difficulty; dropping a golfball upon said first launching position, said second launching position,or said third launching position according to said desired level ofdifficulty. if said first launching position is chosen, utilizing a golfclub having a loft of 13 degrees or more, and without the aid of a golftee, hitting said golf ball a first time toward said green such thatsaid golf ball lands within said first area or upon said green; if saidfirst shot is made from said first launching position, and said firstshot does not result in said golf ball landing upon said green,utilizing a golf club having a loft of more than 13 degrees, and withoutthe aid of a golf tee, hitting said golf ball a second time from saidfirst area onto said green; if said second launching position is chosen,utilizing a golf club having a loft of 13 degrees or more, and withoutthe aid of a golf tee, hitting said golf ball a first time toward saidgreen such that said golf ball lands within said second area or uponsaid green; if said first shot is made from said second launchingposition, and said first shot does not result in said golf ball landingupon said green, utilizing a golf club having a loft of more than 13degrees, hitting said golf ball a second time from said second area ontosaid green; if said third launching position is chosen, utilizing a golfclub having a loft of 13 degrees or more, and without the aid of a golftee, hitting said golf ball a first time toward said green such thatsaid golf ball lands within said third area or upon said green; if saidfirst shot is made from said third launching position, and said firstshot does not result in said golf ball landing upon said green,utilizing a golf club having a loft of more than 13 degrees, hittingsaid golf ball a second time from said third area onto said green; andutilizing a putter, putting said golf ball into said cup.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein said difficulty enhancing terrain is selected fromthe group consisting of rough cut grass, sand, and uneven surfaces. 19.The method of claim 18, wherein said topographical features are selectedfrom the group consisting of water, sand, shrubbery, trees, brush, outof bounds markers, undulations, contours, obstacles, obstructions,vegetation, varying grass texture, and varying grass height.
 20. Themethod of claim 18, wherein said second level of difficulty requiresgreater skill than said first level of difficulty and said third levelof difficulty requires greater skill than said second level ofdifficulty.